Yayoi Kusama “ALL ABOUT MY LOVE”
I traveled from Tokyo to Matsumoto City Museum of Art to view Yayoi Kusama’s solo exhibition “ALL ABOUT MY LOVE.”
The access route I took this time is below.
https://art-on.jp/howtogo-matsumoto-museum/
Since the exhibition is being held in Yayoi Kusama’s hometown, the entire town seems to have come together to celebrate — from the streets leading from Matsumoto Station to the museum, to the signs and various paintings and promotional displays all around.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Decorations covered in dots greet visitors from the entrance.
Upon entering, a large three-dimensional work greets you. It appears to be inflated with air. It has become a popular photo spot.
My Eternal Soul
The only photography-permitted spot inside the museum is the room lined with works from the “My Eternal Soul” series.
Numerous works that were photography-prohibited at the Yayoi Kusama Museum I previously visited were on grand display here.
https://art-on.jp/yayoikusama-museum/
The works were not framed, allowing viewers to appreciate the brushstrokes up close.
Installations
This solo exhibition was characterized by installation works displayed both inside and outside the venue.
Even the Coca-Cola vending machines were decorated.
Museum Shop
The museum shop was bustling with visitors seeking merchandise.
A notable item was a special package featuring the official catalog with a venue-limited tote bag (red or black). It was priced at 3,000 yen.
Summary
Being a weekend, the venue was crowded with a wide range of visitors, including families and couples. I got the impression that Yayoi Kusama’s popularity is only rising further.
Surrounded by numerous works — from her childhood pieces at age five to her latest new works — Yayoi Kusama fans will find plenty to satisfy them in this exhibition.
“I’m here, but Nothing” — which recreates a room-sized world of sparkling dots using blacklight — was a particularly memorable and refreshing display, especially welcome during the intense summer heat.
And as a museum in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, the many installations and works you can only see here made this an exhibition firmly etched into memory.
